Complaints Procedure

Complaints & Investigations Procedure

Any Dogs SA member or person/s purchasing a dog from a registered breeder may lodge a complaint in writing where a breach of the Dogs SA Rules has occurred.

The Dogs SA Investigations Panel allocates the complaint to an Investigator who determines if a breach of the Rules has occurred and if the complaint is valid.

If the complaint is valid, the Investigator refers the matter to the Disciplinary Committee where a Hearing is scheduled to hear the matter complained of. All parties involved have the opportunity to present their point of view.

If found guilty of a breach of the Rules or Constitution, penalties may be applied.

It is important to note that Dogs SA does not have the legal powers to award monetary compensation. Should financial compensation be the outcome you are seeking, it may also be necessary to lodge a civil claim.

As a member-based Not for Profit organisation, the only lawful powers available are to determine if a breach of the Dogs SA or the ANKC Ltd Rules & Regulations, Constitution or Codes has occurred.

Kennel Inspectors

Mr S Schwerdt
Mr R Redhead
Mrs C Redhead
Mr J Nickholds
Ms J Mouroufas
Mr R Mercer
Mr P Haseldine
PART XVI INSPECTION OF MEMBERS PROPERTY (07/19)

1. As prescribed in the Constitution of the Association, Council may appoint a person/s to complete an inspection on a members property to ensure the keeping and welfare of the dogs are maintained to the minimum standards as prescribed by DOGS SA and South Australian Government Legislation.

2. The person/s shall be appointed in writing by Council and shall conduct their business within the time frames as listed below.

(a) Where the inspection is of a routine nature which includes where a member has applied for a breeders prefix or periodic inspection the appointed person shall provide as a minimum to the member, a written 14-day notice via email where appropriate, or by Australia Post.

(b) Where the inspection is as a result of a substantiated complaint received by the Association the appointed person shall provide as a minimum to the member 24 hours’ notice by electronic means or by voice.

3. During the inspection the appointed person/s may make notes and take photographs as evidence and may request to view and reproduce records and documentation in relation to the inspection. A copy of all notes and photographs taken by the inspector/s is to be made available to the member upon request and within 7 days.

4. Any member who has been served notice in accordance with 2 is to abide by the reasonable directions of the appointed person/s and shall provide all assistance requested and shall not hinder the inspection.

5. Where a notice has been served under clause 2 the member has the right to object to the appointed person in writing to the Executive Officer. The objection must be lodged within 7 days where issued under sub-clause 2a or 8 hours where issued under subclause 2b. The Executive Officer has the right of Veto to the objection where it is considered the objection is unfounded or mischievous.

6. The inspection is to be limited to any area where dogs are being kept, including whelping areas, kennels and residence where the dogs are kept inside. An inspection check sheet as prescribed by Council is to be used for all inspections and a copy is to be provided to the Executive Officer and the member within 7 days.

7. The appointed person/s should debrief the member at the end of the inspection and identify any issues that may have arisen during the inspection. Any serious matters are to be brought immediately to the attention of the member and within 24 Hours to the Executive Officer.

8. A copy of the blank inspection check sheet shall be available to all members via the DOGS SA website or upon request so they are aware of what is involved in the inspection.

9. Records of the inspections are to remain confidential except where disciplinary action is recommended then the record may be used in evidence.

10. During the inspection the appointed person/s is to act appropriately and to ensure the inspection only relates to the keeping and breeding of Dogs.

11. Where in an exceptional case the appointed person/s considers that there are significant breaches of Government Regulations relating to the welfare of the dogs then they are to immediately report the findings to the Executive Officer who will decide if the matter should be handed over to the regulatory authority.

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